Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that Liam Dawson’s return to Test cricket has brought much-needed balance to the English setup in the ongoing series against India. Recalled to the side after eight years, Dawson’s inclusion came as a result of Shoaib Bashir’s injury. However, the 35-year-old made an instant impact by removing India’s in-form opener Yashasvi Jaiswal with just his seventh delivery on Day 1 of the fourth Test in Manchester.

Vaughan, speaking on the Test Match Special podcast, praised Dawson for offering the kind of all-round reliability every captain craves. “He’s the kind of cricketer you look at and say, ‘Give me control, give me a few handy runs, and field well,’” Vaughan noted. “He’s the full package, and for England — especially with an eye on the Ashes in Australia — having a player like Dawson provides greater strength and flexibility.”

ALSO READ: Sanjay Manjrekar Lauds Young Indian Batters After Gritty Day 1 in Manchester

Dawson’s Test career has been limited — his last appearance before this came in 2017 against South Africa. Across three Tests, six ODIs, and 14 T20Is, he has had limited opportunities but has remained a consistent performer at the county level. Shoaib Bashir, England’s primary spinner of late, offers an attacking threat but is a tail-end batter. Dawson, in contrast, boasts 18 first-class centuries, underlining his credentials as a genuine all-rounder.

Vaughan highlighted Dawson’s control as a crucial factor on pitches in England and Australia. “Bashir has a lot of potential and offers dangerous over-spin, but on these types of wickets, England needs control. Dawson might not run through sides with six-fors, but he’ll pick up key wickets — two, maybe three — and if the pitch deteriorates, a four or five-for isn’t out of the question.”

ALSO READ: Dinesh Karthik Defends Shubman Gill After Nasser Hussain Criticizes His ‘Spirit of the Game’ Remark

Liam Dawson, a seasoned performer for Hampshire, has repeatedly proven his value in county cricket. With over 1,000 runs and 50 wickets in a season, PCA MVP titles in 2023 and 2024, and an extended contract through 2027, Dawson remains a vital cog in England’s plans. His blend of discipline, experience, and versatility could yet prove pivotal in shaping England’s Test future.